Chapter 32: Questions

Chapter 32: Questions

Following Michails invitation, Nathaniels hand shot up in the air.

Yes, Nathaniel?

Nathaniel's fingers fidgeted with anxiety. Can you go over the different parts of the Exam again?

A collection of audible sighs swept across their table.

Michail raised his eyebrows and asked dryly, Ive detailed the process for you several times already. Where are your notes?

Umm, I left them back at home. I know the answer, really! I just wanna make double no, triple sure!

Michail chuckled. Alright. Then, why dont you tell me what the Examination will consist of. Im all ears, Nathaniel.

After being put on the spot, Nathaniels eyes widened before glancing down the table at the other children pitifully. But what met his gaze were only three sympathetic smiles.

Seeing that none of them were willing to help him out this time, Nathaniel hesitantly began.

Well, there are uh three parts?

Michail smiled and nodded. Correct. Go on.

With a bit more confidence, Nathaniel continued, The first part is a written test. The second is

Two of the three parts are written exams. What exactly does this portion cover?

Umm there's uh

Michail waved his hand to stop the boys mumbling.

In efforts to move on to newer information before nightfall, Ill explain the process for you one last time, Nathaniel. But I suggest that you keep ahold of your notes this time.

As his shoulder sagged in relief, Nathaniel nodded quickly as he took out a sheet of paper and a pen from his spatial ring, doing his best to look the part of a dutiful student.

Michail explained, The Apprentice Alchemist Examination is comprised of three sections. Even the Examination I participated in years ago was formatted this way, as the structure remains the same every year it's held.

The first and second sections are the written portions.

During the first section, the examinee is required to detail any Elixir Refinement Technique, as long as its a Tier 1 Elixir Refinement Technique. Due to you four being fortunate enough to be appointed to the Elixir Refinement Hall, each of you were already provided a Technique of your choosing, free of charge. The other examinees were not so lucky.

"Can anyone else inform your fellow disciple Nathaniel of what follows? Yes, Mia."

Mia's pleasant voice recited gently, The second section consists of questions relating to basic Alchemical processes."

"That's correct Mia. Well done," Michail acknowledged. "What about the last? Go ahead, Tarek."

Tarek answered succinctly, The final section isn't really a test, because it doesnt affect the Examination's final outcome. And most of the examinees will not be given the opportunity to participate in this portion.

Tarek paused for a moment, glancing quickly at Auslen before continuing.

It's a contest designed for the top 25 examinees that displayed the best performance during the previous two tests. At its conclusion, there are rewards for the top few participants included.

The objective for this section of the Examination is the sole objective that changes every year. The only thing that doesnt change is that the contest will include the other four Outer Sect mountains, meaning that only the top five examinees from each Outer Sect Elixir Refinement Hall will be allowed to participate.

Nathaniels speedy scribbles halted, head spinning around to Tarek with excitement written all over his face.

Ooh! Whats the rewards like for the third part?

Michail interjected, I dont think thats something you should be worrying about when you nearly failed our little practice exam last week. If I were you, Id place my focus on simply passing on your first go-around."

Auslen glanced at Nathaniel to see the boys slightly pink face lowering back down in embarrassed silence as he re-concentrated on scribbling his notes.

Michail was not being tough on Nathaniel for the fun of it. He was merely hoping to prevent the overzealous child from wasting his other benefit.

Refining Assistants also received one free chance to participate in the Apprentice Alchemist Examination. To purchase this slot, the disciple would normally be required to pay 250 Merit Points, which was an amount that took a substantial number of Sect Missions to save up for. Considering that Qi Refinement Elixirs were valued at 50 Merit Points, just one slot was the equivalent to giving up at least five potential strands of Profound Qi!

Although they could have waited much longer to take the Exam, since their benefits wouldn't expire for years, all four members of their group had chosen to participate, in spite of their Mentor's consistent warnings.

Auslen was not worried about the possibility of failure and chose to take the exam as soon as possible, as he was impatiently looking forward to the Elixir Refinement Hall facilities and individual Alchemy instruction that only Apprentice Alchemists had access to.

He had a solid head-start with Spirit Botany, thanks to his fathers assistance. However, because he couldnt sell his Pseudo Spirit Plants, he still lacked a feasible way to obtain Merit Points.

Sadly, Auslen had exactly zero Merit Points to his name at the moment. But he refused to waste his time with the Sect Missions aimed towards young practitioners. The paltry number of Merit Points given in exchange from completing those dry tasks was depression-inducing.

He knew that Tarek had chosen to take it early because his family had several Alchemists and Botanists, so the knowledge he enjoyed was more than enough to ensure that he safely passed the test.

Mia, on the other hand, had chosen to participate in the Examination for reasons only she could guess. Over the past few months, she had never really discussed her family situation, but it was obvious that she didnt know much of anything regarding Alchemy when they first began studying together as a group.

Brushing off Michails increasingly piercing gaze, Victor pulled himself a seat right in front of Auslen, face pouting semi-pitifully while waving his now red palm.

Little prince! You see how this abusive mentor treats your dear Senior Brother? That terrible man hurt me so badly! I may even lose my hand if I

Victor suddenly stopped when he looked down to see a small, white hand gently placing a tiny bottle of a green-colored Spirit Elixir on the table in front of him.

Astonished, he looked back up at Auslen, whose face had was smiling with untainted emotions of kindness and child-like naivety.

Auslens eyes revealed concern as he said, Here you go, Senior Brother. It sounded really painful just now! I hope this helps your hand a little.

Victors eyes gleamed at the Bone Mending Elixir that he had been gearing up to beg the foolish Prince for. He had heard from around the Elixir Refinement Hall that the kid was loaded, but he had never found the right opportunity until now.

It's just that he hadn't expected for it to be this easy!

'Is this foolish boy really the Prince of a Kingdom? Where's his sense of prudence?'

Despite his confusion, Victor's pout unknowingly transformed back into a wide grin as he sized up the Bone Mending Elixir.

Although the Spirit Elixir couldnt be sold to the Sect, due to them only accepting freshly refined Spirit Elixirs, he could still pawn it off to a fellow disciple for around half the price. That was an easy 20 Merit Points!

Gradually, the good-looking, golden-haired child, whom he hadnt thought too highly of before, began looking more and more agreeable in Victors eyes.

Laughing in surprised delight, he said, Thank you, uh... little Prince! I just knew I could count on you.

Shit. What's his name again? Well, it's no matter. Ill be taking that!

But just before his non-throbbing palm could make contact with the Bone Mending Elixir, another sharp slap rang out in the Library.

Ouch!!

While Victor was cradling his other hand, Michail slid the Elixir back towards Auslen.

Auslen, you shouldn't give away such precious items so easily. Even if you think you dont need them or that you have something better, keeping what you have is far better than donating them to this blockhead.

After returning the Elixir, Michail shifted his gaze back towards Victor.

Stop trying to scheme Merit Points out of your juniors and tell me why youre here.

Staring in disbelief at Auslen, who was apologetically placing the Elixir back inside his spatial ring, the previous joy that was spilling from Victors heart was now uncomfortably congested, leaving room for only stifled dejection to pass through.

No! My Merit Points! Should I swindle the boy some more when Michail leaves? With his background, hes got to have some more goodies hidden away

Still somewhat aggrieved, Victor deflated and leaned back in his chair, offhandedly replying, Irene sent me to find you. She just told me to relay that she had something urgent to show you.

As soon as Victor finished speaking, Auslen couldnt miss the brilliance that flashed through Michails eyes.

Without questioning Victor any further, Michail stood from his seat with an apologetic smile, pulling the red-headed young man up along with him.

Im sorry, you guys. I have something very important to do, so well have to cut our time short today. However, just let me know if you need any more assistance before the Exam, and Ill try to carve some time to meet with you before next week.

Why the hell are you I still want to talk to my precious juniors! Hey, wait!

After waving goodbye to his mentees, Michail ignored the persistent pleas and turned to walk briskly towards the exit of the Library, pulling Victors unwilling figure behind him.

While watching their departing figures, Auslen couldn't resist the amusement coloring his face.

Damn. It's not easy to find simpletons like Victor. Not everyone could be so easily pleased with such a cheap gift.

Auslen had been secretly observing several Senior Outer Sect Disciples, slowly weeding out the few he thought would be worth building a relationship with.

Luck was on his side when he was assigned to Michail as a mentee. Michail was near the top of his list, as he was a very well-known talent within the Outer Sect for both his cultivation and Alchemical skill.

Admittedly, Victor's name lined the bottom of the batch. But, the fact that he was an Apprentice Alchemist himself, as well as the twin brother to Irene, who was widely known to be even more talented in Alchemy than Michail, provided Victor with just enough value to be considered a desirable potential friend. It was a welcome surprise to Auslen that the young man was so simple-minded, making him easy enough to approach.

Sigh. If only he was any good at Alchemy...

Tareks voice called Auslens attention back to the group.

So, do you guys want to study some more for the Exam back at my cave abode?

Auslen tapped his finger on the table as he glanced at Vincent, thinking to himself for a second before shrugging in agreement. Vincent and I dont mind. What about you two?

Nathaniel looked relieved, but glanced at Mia before answering.

Once Mia nodded, Nathaniel finally spoke up. Yeah, lets do it!

Tarek said, Then lets make a quick stop at the Palace of Outer Sect Affairs. There's some Merit Points waiting for me to redeem."